Arguments for euthanasia
“Human beings should have the right
to be able to decide when and how they
die (self-determination).”
The ethical principle involved in this is
“Autonomy”.
“Euthanasia enables a person to die
with dignity and in control of their
situation.”
“Death is a private matter, and the state
should not interfere with the
individual's right to die.”
“It is expensive to keep people alive
when there is no cure for their illness.
Euthanasia would release precious
resources to treat people who could
live.”
Arguments against euthanasia
- In connection to that, Euthanasia affects other people's rights, not just
those of the patient.
- It would put too much power in the hands of those individuals specifically
doctors and damage the trust between patient and doctor.
- It would undermine the commitment of doctors and nurses to save lives
-
- It will inflict moral pressure to free up medical resources. Also, it would
lead to worse care for the terminally ill
- Not only that, but euthanasia would also weaken society's respect for the
value and importance of human life

“Family and friends would be spared
the pain of seeing their loved one suffer
a long-drawn-out death.”
“Society permits animals to be put
down as an act of kindness when they
are suffering; the same treatment
should be available to humans.”
To sum it up, Euthanasia should not be legalized for comatose patients due to the following reasons:
- Accepting euthanasia accepts that some lives (those of the disabled or
sick) are worth less than others
- Some people unexpectedly recover
- Moral pressure on families of comatose patients
- Proper palliative care is available which reduces or removes the need for
people to be in pain
- Voluntary euthanasia could be the first step on a slippery slope that leads
to involuntary euthanasia, where those who are undesirable or seen as a
problem could be killed
- It would discourage the search for new cures and treatments for the
terminally ill
The doctor’s role: All physicians' main responsibility is to ensure the health and safety of their patients. In view of the Hippocratic
Oath, “I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody who asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect.” health care providers
may be hesitant to compromise their professional obligations.

Moral and religious arguments: Several faiths see euthanasia as a form of murder and morally unacceptable. Suicide, too, is
“illegal” in some religions. Morally, there is an argument that euthanasia will weaken society’s respect for the sanctity of life.

Patient competence: Euthanasia is only voluntary if the patient is mentally competent, with a lucid understanding of available options
and consequences and the ability to express that understanding and their wish to terminate their own life. Determining or defining
competence is not straightforward.

Guilt: Patients may feel they are a burden on resources and are psychologically pressured into consenting. They may feel that the
financial, emotional, and mental burden on their family is too great. Even if the costs of treatment are provided by the state, there is a
risk that hospital personnel may have an economic incentive to encourage euthanasia consent.

Mental illness: A person with depression is more likely to ask for assisted suicide, and this can complicate the decision.

Possible recovery: Very occasionally, a patient recovers, against all the odds. The diagnosis might be wrong.

Palliative care: good palliative care makes euthanasia unnecessary.